In London’s Richmond Row, despite the apparent lengthy queues outside bars every Friday night, Sam Smith, co-owner of Joe Kools, notes a shift in the city’s nightlife landscape. People now head out earlier and are more discerning about how they spend their time and money, according to Smith. He emphasizes the dual attractiveness and challenges Canada faces in terms of entertainment preferences and economic conditions.
Data from payment processing platform Square reveals a consistent decline in nighttime spending across major Canadian cities for the second consecutive year, reflecting broader shifts in nightlife patterns. As London grapples with these changes, some local leaders advocate for initiatives to revitalize the nighttime economy.
Graham Henderson, CEO of the London Chamber of Commerce, underscores the importance of enhancing the city’s downtown area to elevate its overall appeal. While progress has been made with initiatives like the London Music Office and events on Dundas Place, Henderson believes there is more work needed to establish London as a vibrant nightlife hub.
To this end, Henderson proposes the appointment of a “night mayor” to serve as a facilitator and intermediary between various stakeholders including venues, residents, law enforcement, transportation agencies, and business associations. Similar roles exist in other cities like New York and Toronto, aiming to manage and develop nightlife offerings while addressing associated issues such as noise complaints and safety concerns.
The recent hiring of Ottawa’s nightlife commissioner, Mathieu Grondin, highlights the increasing trend among cities to prioritize nighttime economy management. Grondin’s responsibilities involve implementing an action plan to support local nightlife growth and streamline regulatory processes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among different entities.
In London, potential benefits of a dedicated nightlife commissioner include addressing challenges like noise disturbances, regulatory complexities, event approvals, and enhancing downtown security. Henderson suggests that improving the city’s nightlife can attract more businesses, residents, and visitors to the downtown core, ultimately boosting economic activity.
While some, like London Mayor Josh Morgan, express reservations about adopting a night mayor model from other cities, others like Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis acknowledge the positive impact of recent efforts to enhance nighttime activities in London. Lewis advocates for integrating arts and entertainment initiatives with economic development strategies to maximize the city’s potential as a nightlife destination.
At Joe Kools and Toboggan, Smith envisions the value of a downtown coordinator role to foster collaboration among restaurants and venues, positioning the area as a sought-after destination. Building on existing strengths and connections within the city, London aims to leverage its diverse cultural offerings and entertainment scene to create a dynamic and thriving nightlife experience.